WASHINGTON: Disgraced golf superstar Tiger Woods on Wednesday appeared in his first new television ad since embarrassing revelations about extramarital affairs emerged.An advertisement for Nike — airing on the eve of Woods’s much-anticipated return to competitive golf after a five-month layoff — features a voice recording of the golfer’s late father appearing to talk about the golfer’s personal woes.
“I want to find out what your thinking was; I want to find out what your feelings are. Did you learn anything?” said Earl Woods as a sombre-looking Tiger looked directly into the camera.
Woods has acknowledged an adultery scandal that has seen more than a dozen women claim sexual relationships with the married father of two, destroying the squeaky-clean image that made Woods the world’s first billion-dollar sportsman.
Sponsors had sought to distance themselves from the troubled star as sordid details of his person life emerged.
But as Woods embarks on his comeback this week — teeing off at Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters — his star-appeal could be too much for firms to shun.
“We support Tiger and his family. As he returns to competitive golf, the ad addresses his time away from the game using the powerful words of his father,” Nike said in a statement.
Nike reportedly paid Woods around US$40 million a year before the scandal.
The 30-second black and white spot aired on the Golf Channel and ESPN on Wednesday and was to run until shortly after the star teed-off yesterday.
The most anticipated stroke in 150 years of golf history was scheduled off Augusta’s first tee at 1.42pm local time. – AFP